Sustainable Biofuels (Secondary)

In this module the pupils will study molecules, polymers and monomers, and two of the steps in industrial production of biofuels: Enzymatic degradation of wood to sugar and fermentation of sugar to fuel (ethanol). The pupils will also understand the meaning of sustainable and evaluate an discuss biofuels from a local perspective.

The module lasts 4-5 hours and consists of the following activities: 

• Introduction to the Newton Room and the topic of sustainable biofuels

• Building molecules - pupils will build a monosaccharide, which will be used to compose a polysaccharide.

• From wood to sugar - pupils set up an enzyme reaction to understand the use of an enzyme in an industrial setting, digesting Cellulose into glucose. They then perform a Benedict's test to evaluate the amount of glucose released by the enzyme.

• From sugar to alcohol - pupils will produce ethanol from a fermentation reaction. Data loggers are used to track the concentration of ethanol and carbon dioxide as a sugar-yeast solution ferment.

• Sustainable biofuels - pupils will act as consultants for the building of a fuel factory in their region. They will discuss the benefits and downsides of fossil fuels and different sources for biofuels and choose the type of factory to build.
• Ethanol as a fuel demo - the Newton teacher will demonstrate using ethanol as a fuel to create combustion and launch a rocket. 

Throughout this module the pupils will be encouraged to discuss and consider how the activities and skills used within this workshop are relevant to real life situations.